Moussaoui prosecutors want info on jurors’ religious, death penalty beliefs News
Moussaoui prosecutors want info on jurors’ religious, death penalty beliefs

[JURIST] Federal prosecutors filed a proposed jury questionnaire [PDF text] in US district court Monday requesting permission to ask questions regarding the religious beliefs of potential jurors in the case against Zacarias Moussaoui [MSNBC profile; JURIST news archive] for his involvement in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The US government is seeking the death penalty against Moussaoui, who pleaded guilty [JURIST report] to six conspiracy charges [indictment] against him earlier this year, and prosecutors are interested in learning the views of prospective jurors on issues such as Islam and the death penalty. Additionally, prosecutors included questions regarding whether potential jurors knew anyone who died in the 9/11 attacks; whether they have ties to the Middle East; and whether they belong to organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars [official website] or the American Civil Liberties Union [advocacy website]. US District Judge Leonie Brinkema will determine which questions may be asked when 500 potential jurors are summoned for jury duty on February 6 [JURIST report]. AP has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

38 Santee Sioux hanged by US for rebellion

On December 26, 1862, 38 Santee Sioux men were hanged in a mass execution for their roles in a rebellion against US authorities in Minnesota which left hundreds dead and made refugees of some 40,000 white settlers. Government annuities promised under a treaty with the Sioux had failed to arrive on schedule and credit for purchases was not advanced in the meantime, threatening the tribe with starvation. The Santee Sioux Tribe's members were deported first to South Dakota and ultimately to Nebraska, where they remain today. Learn more about the 1862 Minnesota Sioux Rebellion.

Louis XVI put on trial during French Revolution

On December 26, 1792, Romain de Sèze, a defense attorney for deposed King Louis XVI, presented a defense of his client. The former King was on trial before a French Revolutionary court on thirty-three charges, including treason and other crimes against the state. He was convicted on January 15, 1793 executed by guillotine on the following January 21.